Old State House Tower Restoration Project

Tower Ribbon Cutting

2008-07-25T14:05:00.004-04:00

Today The Bostonian Society and the Old State House hosted the Tower Restoration Project Ribbon Cutting. The ceremony marked the first "brick and mortar" project to be completed under the National Park Service's Centennial Initiative. The Centennial Initiative matches government funding with private donations for projects within the National Parks. Attendees included Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, Director of the National Park Service Mary Bomar, as well as representatives from the Boston National Historical Park, and representatives from the City of Boston.

In this photo, Brian LeMay, Executive Director of The Bostonian Society, gives opening remarks.

South Scaffolding Comes Down

2008-07-22T13:56:00.002-04:00

Last night the two piers or legs on the south side of the building were dismantled. The end is just about a day away. Seeing the entrance without scaffolding was a pleasant sight upon coming into work this morning.

Crane Day a Success

2008-07-21T13:36:00.008-04:00

On Saturday night the crew from Marr took down the large, steel beams that supported the scaffolding levels. Working from about 7pm until 2am, the crew pulled down groups of small beams as well as four 24ft beams and four 60ft beams. The large, 60ft beams weighed a hefty 6,000lbs each and were taken away on an extended trailer. Once they left the site it signaled the end of the most nerve-racking portion of the project. The four piers or legs will be coming down over night this week and everything will be cleaned up by Thursday morning.

Scaffolding Down to the Beams

2008-07-18T15:03:00.006-04:00

Today the crew from Marr Scaffolding took the staging down to the beam level. The big crane will be on-site Saturday night to lift the beams and fully reveal the tower. The piers on the north and south side of the building will be taken down Monday and Tuesday. The Old State House will be back to normal by the middle of next week.

Tower is Partially Revealed

2008-07-17T10:20:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, a crew from Marr Scaffolding began to disassemble the upper stages of scaffolding. This work truly signifies that the project is coming to an end. The project team has been checking the progress and signing off on the work before each stage comes down. By next week the completed tower will be visible to all.

Scrolls Are Added

2008-07-16T15:27:00.005-04:00

Yesterday marked the end of the carpentry work on the Old State House tower. After the electricians installed the tower lighting, the carpenters could finish the job they started back in April. The balustrades were the first pieces off the tower and the last pieces finished. The scrolls were mounted yesterday afternoon and it marked the end of the work for the carpenters, who have spent so much time here over the last three and a half months that they are now part of our family.

Balustrades Get New Flashing

2008-07-14T13:44:00.005-04:00

The lower balustrades have been progressing towards the finished product slowly, but surely. After the balustrades were fitted together, the brackets were installed by chiseling out part of each balustrade. The quarter round trim, urns, and the top finish rail were then put into place. The scrolls were fitted and the base for them was installed. Last Friday, the corners of the balustrades were fitted with a lead flashing to protect the wood from water dripping off the urns. The balustrades were painted over the weekend and the scrolls will be installed this week, finishing the work to the lower balustrades.

Balustrades Fitted for Scrolls

2008-07-09T13:22:00.004-04:00

Today the carpentry crew worked with the lower balustrades to fit the scrolls. The scrolls are one of the last decorative pieces to go on the tower and they create a unique look for the lower balustrade. In the pictures you can see that the crews are working on leveling the scrolls and creating a finished look.

Project Team Profile

2008-07-08T15:18:00.004-04:00

Name: Bill Barlow

Title: Senior Historical Architect

Company: Boston National Historic Park, National Park Service

How long have you done this? I have on and off worked for the National Park Service for over thirty two years. I started as an intern architect in 1969, worked for the Denver Service Center, then in 1979 headed up the preservation programs/projects in Lowell for the NPS as the Assistant Superintendent, and for the last eleven years as a Senior Historical Architect for the NPS. In addition I also worked for Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and had/have my own private practice.

What is most rewarding about this project? There are many rewarding aspects of the project. First is to be part of a committed team that sees the preservation of the OSH and its tower as a rare opportunity to leave a legacy to the City and its history. I also find it very rewarding to learn and share insights on how best to preserve the tower with the team. It is a very heady feeling to step back and see one of our nation's icons looking good and know that your fingerprints are all over the building.

Lower Balustrade Installation Begins

2008-07-07T13:46:00.005-04:00

Today the carpentry crew began the installation of the lower balustrades. The eight major pieces are in place--the four balustrades and four corner posts--but more is to come. The work is far from over as the scrolls, trim, brackets, and urns are still to be installed.

Project Team Profile

2008-07-07T13:31:00.003-04:00

Name: Matt Ottinger

Title: Facilities Manager

Company: The Bostonian Society and Old State House Museum

How long have you done this? I have been with The Bostonian Society for about a year and a half.

What is most rewarding about this project? This building has survived through centuries and what we are currently undertaking will ensure that the building will survive longer. We can all look at the tower a year from now and know that we have participated in history. Our efforts to save the building from its environment is an important part of the story this building has to tell. There is also undeniably a wealth of knowledge that has teamed up for this project. This has been an invaluable learning experience for myself and one that I am very happy to have been a part of.

Upper Balustrades Installed

2008-07-03T13:48:00.006-04:00

Between yesterday and this morning, the upper balustrades were installed. The balustrades came from the workshop in multiple pieces, including the corner posts, rails, and finish molding. The urns, which never left the site, were one of the last pieces put into place. These photos show the work in progress.

Work will not take place tomorrow in observance of the 4th of July.

Project Team Profile

2008-07-02T14:18:00.004-04:00

Name: Chick Milford

Title: Project superintendent

Company: Lee Kennedy Co.

How long have you done this? I have spent 23 years in the construction industry and 4 years with Lee Kennedy Co.

What is most rewarding about this project? From a construction perspective working on the preservation of this historic building is a great opportunity. What I feel to be the most rewarding portion of this project is meeting and working with the people involved in it. Each person associated with the project’s planning and the current construction administration, from The Bostonian Society and its museum staff to the architects and consultants, brings a passion and caring for the tower renovation project that I do not typically feel on most commercial construction projects. It is truly a pleasure to be part of the construction process with them.

Weathervane Returns to the Top

2008-07-01T13:08:00.003-04:00

Yesterday morning members of our staff and the project team returned the newly gilded weathervane to its perch atop the Old State House. After being on display inside the museum for the last 3 weeks, and being professionally gilded the weathervane was carefully wrapped and carried up the scaffolding. Once at the top, the compass was placed on and then the spire was given a layer of grease to ensure the easy movement of the weathervane. As you see in the picture, Adele Barbato, Pam Bailey, Chick Milford, and Rainey Tisdale placed the weathervane onto its home. The weathervane will soon be visible and shinning brightly for the 4th of July.

Project Team Profile

2008-07-01T11:54:00.007-04:00

Name: Rainey Tisdale

Title: Director of the Old State House Museum

Company: The Bostonian Society and Old State House Museum

How long have you done this? Seven years. I started out as The Bostonian Society’s collections manager and worked my way up, first to director of collections and exhibitions and then to director of the Old State House Museum.

What is most rewarding about this project? I’d say the project team, but did you notice that answer’s been taken by everyone else? So instead I’ll say the historical investigation. Since the tower is primarily made of wood, which is vulnerable to weather and to fire, I assumed it had been re-built so many times that very little of its 18th-century material survived. But when we peeled away the outer layers of siding and flashing, it turned out that most of the framing and the sheathing date as far back as 1748. It was really amazing to get an up-close look at 18th-century building material and techniques. Plus, nothing beats the view from the top of the scaffolding on a warm spring day.

Upper Balustrades Come Home and the Windows Get Installed

2008-06-30T12:19:00.005-04:00

The upper balustrades came back from M&A Restoration's carpentry shop on Friday afternoon for a fitting. After extensive rebuilding in the shop, the top and bottom rails are new, as are the corner posts--they were too rotten to save. All the old balusters were restored and retained, however. With a little more work the upper balustrades will be finished and installed this week.

As noted in an earlier post, the windows came home last week and Friday afternoon they were fitted back into the frames.

Project Team Profile

2008-06-30T12:00:00.002-04:00

Name: Brian LeMay

Title: Executive Director

Company: The Bostonian Society and Old State House Museum

How long have you done this? I've been with the Society for almost 4 years now.

What is most rewarding about this project? I've found the level of dedication in all our project partners to the ideals of historic preservation has been quite extraordinary. Nobody is going to become famous or wealthy working on this project, but everybody involved seems to be placing the interests of the building above their own.

Windows Come Home

2008-06-25T15:51:00.005-04:00

Starting yesterday and continuing today, the windows for the Old State House tower returned from the woodworking shop. The windows, dating to 1882, went through a full restoration that involved stripping the paint and glaze, repairing the sash, finishing with reglazing, and repainting. The windows will be installed over the week and are one of the final pieces to go into place.

Project Team Profile

2008-06-23T14:32:00.002-04:00

Name: Pam Bailey

Title: Project Manager

Company: Lee Kennedy Co.

How long have you done this? I have been with Lee Kennedy for 10 years and in the construction business for 15 years.

What is most rewarding about this project? The unique opportunity to look through a window at building and construction in the 18th century while participating in preservation with 21st century knowledge. Also, being part of a team that is so cohesive in its mission and shared respect for not only the building but each individual’s contribution to the project.

Painting Begins

2008-06-23T14:06:00.004-04:00

Last week the crew from Wall Dimensions began painting the tower. For this project we are using an oil-based paint from Benjamin Moore. We are using oil so that the paint will fail before the wood. If we had used common latex paint, the paint would hold too well, preventing wet wood underneath from drying properly and also hiding problems with the wood.

Project Team Profile

2008-06-19T13:38:00.003-04:00

Name: David Storeygard

Title: Architect, AIA Principal

Company: Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners, LLC

How long have you done this? I've been with TAAP for 15 years.

What is most rewarding about this project? I'm rewarded by the opportunity to work on one of the most significant buildings in the country with a gracious group of very talented people. I get to continually learn from both the building and my colleagues.

Corners Receive Custom Flashing

2008-06-19T13:27:00.006-04:00

As the weather changes from hot to cold and dry to damp, the wood on the tower expands and contracts. For the mitered cornices and trim details, the movement of the wood allowed an moisture to find its way into the building. One of the goals of this project was to address this issue more effectively. Therefore, the mitered corners are receiving custom-made flashing covers. The new flashing covers, seen above, will create a barrier and give water running down the side of the tower a solid surface over which to travel towards the roof and then away from the building.

Project Team Profile

2008-06-18T14:55:00.005-04:00

Name: Don Tellalian

Title: Architect, AIA Principal

Company: Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners, LLC

How long have you done this? The TAAP firm was established in 1985, I have been a registered architect since 1965 (New York).

What is most rewarding about this project? The privilege of participating with a team dedicated to the stewardship of one of the most important buildings in New England. It is a project where I continue to learn, not only from my colleagues, but from the structure itself.

Much of our professional experience has involved both additions to and rehabilitation of landmark buildings, as well as the design of museums and exhibit spaces. The Old State House, working with you all at The Bostonian Society, gives us the opportunity to bring that diverse experience to the effort.

Last of the Siding Put in Place

2008-06-18T14:48:00.006-04:00

The last few pieces of siding were placed on the tower this morning by the crew from M&A Architectural Preservation, Inc. The top two boards from the old siding were found to be particularly historic and so they were saved in place. Therefore, the top-most new board had to be specially milled and carefully joined to the old boards.

Project Team Profile

2008-06-17T12:17:00.006-04:00

Name: Judy Selwyn

Title: Historic Materials Conservator

Company: Preservation Technology Associates

How long have you done this? I've been doing this for 34 years!

What is most rewarding about this project? The best part is working with good people who care about art, materials, and how they are part of a historic building. Also, it is fun to see what former generations have built, how they built it and to see things that so few people have seen--like the tower dome framing.

More Masonry

2008-06-16T15:07:00.004-04:00

Haven Restoration Co. continues the masonry work at the south side of the building. In this picture, masons work on a lift at the southwest corner of the Old State House.

Gilding the Dome and Weathervane

2008-06-13T10:24:00.007-04:00

The Old State House dome is getting a bright new gold finish. The process on the dome began last week and will be finished today. The weathervane was finished yesterday when the team from Evergreene Painting Studios held a public demonstration of the gilding process in Representatives Hall. The weathervane had been moved to the gallery for the demonstration and it will continue to be on display until June 21.

The process of gilding involves four steps. First, the surface is stripped. Second, the surface is primed; in our case a lead-based primer was used. Third, the surface is coated with a clear, sticky product called sizing. The final step is laying the gold leaf, which has to be done before the sizing dries out.

Upclose with the Lion

2008-06-10T14:34:00.005-04:00

The masonry work on the southeast parapet is taking place right near the large lion on the east end of the building. These pictures highlight a few aspects of the lion that are difficult to see from the ground.

Masonry Restoration Begins

2008-06-09T14:16:00.009-04:00

The crew from Haven Restoration Co. is now on-site for the masonry work that needs to be done with this project. The work begins with repointing and sealing of the exterior brick at the southeast parapet (near the Lion). The masons also will be working all week to repoint and repair the bricks in a few spots on the south side of the building. For those familiar with the Old State House, the same technique was used on a larger scale to restore the masonry at the northeast corner in 2006.

The pictures show the crew clearing out the old mortar in preparation for repointing.

Dome and Weathervane Preped for Re-gilding

2008-06-06T12:06:00.013-04:00

This week a team from Evergreene Painting Studios has been working to prepare the tower dome and the weathervane for re-gilding. The process involves stripping the old gild, priming the surface, and then gilding.

Scaffolding for the Southeast Parapet

2008-06-06T12:01:00.003-04:00

Last night the scaffolding at the southeast parapet was completed. The team from Marr Scaffolding erected this staging, which included protection for the subway entrance, so that masonry work on the southeast parapet can begin next week.

Behind the Cornice

2008-06-03T12:55:00.003-04:00

Last Friday was a busy day on the Old State House Tower. The Boston Preservation Alliance was on-site for a tour of the restoration work. The group was led by project team members Don Tellalian, Bill Barlow, and Rainey Tisdale, who reported that everyone had interesting questions about the tower and were excited about the work being undertaken by The Bostonian Society.

Friday also saw the removal of the north and east cornice on the dome level. These two sides showed significant deterioration, and required repair and replacement. In the photograph the the east cornice has been removed, revealing the tower framing underneath.

Project Team Reviews Progress

2008-05-28T14:32:00.007-04:00

Today the project team met to review progress to date. One of the details discussed was the new drip edge on the bottom of the dome. The drip edge will help keep water away from the wood as it runs off the dome roof.

Another detail discussed was the fit of the corner boards for the upper two sections of the tower. Used to create a better barrier for water, the corner boards allow the siding to meet flush without creating any extra openings. In the image (clockwise) the project team of Pam Bailey and Chick Milford from Lee Kennedy Co.; David Storeygard, AIA, from Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners; Judy Selwyn from Preservation Technology Associates; and Matt, a carpenter from M&A Architectural Preservation, discuss the corner boards at stage two of the tower.

Initials Discovered in the Dome

2008-05-27T14:44:00.006-04:00

During the process of water-testing and sealing the tower dome, the project team has uncovered initials on the dome's framing. Dating to the 18th century, the timbers that create the framing for the tower dome are some of the oldest pieces of the Old State House. The initials, IR, are found on the center vertical timber. IR was probably a craftsman who built the dome framing in 1748.

New Siding Going on the Tower

2008-05-23T10:58:00.006-04:00

Beginning yesterday and continuing today the new siding is being installed on the tower. The new siding is made of mahogany and designed with a ship-lap detail so that the wood will fit together tightly even with swelling and shrinking. The siding was treated with a wood preservative, primed, and single-coat painted before going on the tower. The pictures show the siding going into place around one of the ox-eye windows, the ship-lap detail, and a side almost completed.

Weathervane Examined

2008-05-22T13:57:00.006-04:00

This morning, New England weathervane scholar Myrna Kaye stopped by to examine the Old State House weathervane. According to Kaye, the weathervane appears to be from the building's first brick construction, about 1713. She even believes that the vane may have been made by Shem Drowne, who also created the grasshopper vane atop Faneuil Hall, but this point is still being investigated. In the above picture, Kaye discusses the vane with Bostonian Society Executive Director Brian LeMay; Don Tellalian, AIA, of Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners; and Old State House Museum Director Rainey Tisdale.

Siding and Corner Posts Arrive

2008-05-20T13:56:00.005-04:00

This morning the crew from M&A Architectural Preservation brought the new corner posts and siding to the Old State House. The crew will start to place the siding tomorrow and test-fit the corner posts.

Fusing the Seams in the Dome

2008-05-19T10:58:00.004-04:00

Late last week the team from Oak Roofing worked on sealing the seams in the dome. Our water test showed that the dome was leaking at the seams. As a possible solution for the leaks, the dome's seams were opened and fused together.

The dome is made of lead. Originally the seams were folded over and pounded to a tight seal. This picture shows one of the seams fused together to create a solid barrier against water.

New Copper Roofs for the Tower

2008-05-15T15:38:00.005-04:00

With the majority of the woodwork now being done off site, the focus on the tower has shifted to the roofs. The tower roofing consists of a dome as well as two small roofs, one below each balustrade. Those two small roofs will be fully replaced with new copper. In the picture above, one of the crew members from Oak Roofing is soldering part of a new roof into place.

Historic Fabric Staying in Place

2008-05-13T10:45:00.006-04:00

As mentioned in the April 17th post about historic nails, the wood sheathing for the two small roofs on the tower is historic fabric. The boards measure somewhere between 17-20 inches in width. Boards of that size are most likely from old growth forests and in our case that means the boards likely date to 1747-8. The majority of these boards are being put back into place in preparation for the new copper roofs being installed this week. The only boards not going back are ones that are in too poor shape to be reused.

Water Test

2008-05-08T10:03:00.003-04:00

Since the goal of this project is to stop water infiltration, tests have to be done in order to correctly identify the location and cause of leaks. On Wednesday the project team did a water test on the dome. As you can see in the photo, water was sprayed on the outside of the dome to simulate a rain storm while other project team members stood inside watching for leaks.

The test proved successful and we have now documented the areas prone to leaking. Some of the seams are letting in water, as is the connection between the weathervane and the dome. The next step will be to tighten up and seal those areas so that the water stays on the outside of the tower from now on.

Framing of the Tower Dome

2008-05-02T11:31:00.009-04:00

The framing that supports the dome for our tower was on display this week in preparation for a water test. The framing is believed to be as old as 1748.

As you can see in the upper left photo, the original workers marked each beam and board to know exactly where it would go. This was common practice in the late 18th century. The workmen would have assembled the framing on the ground, marked each piece to be sure it fit, disassembled the framing, hauled it up to the top of the tower, and then completed the final assembly.

A Peek Under the Roof

2008-05-01T16:24:00.006-04:00

Our crew has opened both the upper and lower roofs of the tower to investigate water infiltration and in preparation for a new copper roof. This picture highlights the framing of the eaves at the upper roof.

Tower Windows Leave for Repairs

2008-04-30T15:34:00.007-04:00

Our carpentry crew has been hard at work this week carefully removing the tower windows, which date to 1882, for restoration. These windows are each composed of 5 pieces (2 upper sash, 2 lower sash, and 1 arch) per side. They are delicate and heavy, but the fact that the windows are able to be repaired and not replaced is a testament to their workmanship.

Pictured is the arch portion of one side.

Water Main Break Does Not Stop Restoration

2008-04-28T16:05:00.003-04:00

As our local readers know, a water main ruptured early Saturday morning under the pedestrian mall on the south side of the Old State House. While the rupture caused major damage to the pedestrian mall, the Old State House and its scaffolding came away more or less unscathed. Restoration work progressed as usual Monday morning despite a large portion of the pedestrian mall still blocked off for repairs.

Field Repairs Set to Begin

2008-04-25T15:32:00.004-04:00

Since removing siding and the balustrades, our team's attention has been shifted towards field repairs. Field repairs are used when only a small portion of the wood is damaged and full replacement is not necessary. Remember that we are doing our best to retain as much historic fabric (historic wood, paint, roofs, etc.) as we can.

Window Work to Begin Soon

2008-04-24T09:29:00.006-04:00

The windows in the tower of the Old State House date to 1882 and over 125 years in Boston weather they are in need of repairs. Beginning this week, restoration carpenters from M&A Architectural Preservation will work to restore these historic windows. Inspecting the windows in the photo above is our preservation consultant Judy Selwyn of Preservation Technology Associates.

Historic Nails

2008-04-17T15:06:00.003-04:00

Earlier this week, the copper flashing was removed from the roof of the lower two levels of the tower. Underneath the flashing we found old boards, many of them 17 to 18 inches wide. These hand-wrought nails were pulled out of one of the boards for examination. The nails are distinguished by their point and less than perfect construction. They likely date to the 18th century, as does the board that they held in place.

Tower Siding Removed

2008-04-16T16:32:00.003-04:00

Beginning at the end of last week and continuing Monday and Tuesday of this week, the Old State House tower has been stripped of its siding. The lower portion of the tower, known as level one, now has all of the exterior siding removed. In the picture above the interior diagonal sheathing can be seen, as well as one of the tower's ox-eye windows.

North Bennet Street School Comes for a Visit

2008-04-15T15:28:00.004-04:00

On Thursday, April 10, architect Don Tellalian (pictured on the right), AIA of Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners, LLC met with the Preservation Carpentry class from North Bennet Street School. Taught by Robert Adam, the class was on-site to observe preservation carpentry first-hand as Rich Muckle and a crew from M&A Architectural Preservation, Inc. were working on the siding of the Old State House tower.

Exploring the Effects of Time and Weather: The Balustrades

2008-04-09T16:28:00.005-04:00

This week our team has been up on the scaffolding exploring the damage that has been caused by time and weather. The goal with our preservation project is to save as much historic material as possible, but replace when necessary. The top and bottom rails on the tower balustrades are badly deteriorated and in need of work. The balusters themselves look to be in good condition and will be saved, but the rails will be replaced.

First Look

2008-04-04T11:45:00.007-04:00

It has been a busy week here at the Old State House. Marr scaffolding was here finishing the stairs and safety rails so that the work crew will have access to the tower to begin the project next week.

Yesterday was the first up-close look that many of us had of the tower. Our excellent team, pictured above, of Don Tellalian, Judy Selwyn, Rich Muckle, and David Storeygard, examined the deterioration of the wood on the tower. This was also the first time in about 15 years that the weathervane on the dome has been seen up-close.

Stay tuned for more images and updates as the work gets underway next week.

More Photos from Sunday

2008-03-31T11:13:00.009-04:00

Yesterday proved to be a long and exciting day as everyone worked from 6am until 10pm, but the hardest parts of laying out the scaffolding are now done.

These photos show the large beams (as seen in the photos from yesterday) being set in place by the crew from Marr Scaffolding, the beams being secured with welds, and work platforms being constructed.

Crane Day

2008-03-30T17:07:00.006-04:00

Sunday was crane day for the Tower Restoration Project at the Old State House. Beginning the day at 6am, our great team from Lee Kennedy, Marr Scaffolding and Crane, and T. G. Gallagher Mechanical Engineers have replaced the chiller, or cooling unit, for the Old State House HVAC system, placed 4 beams (weighing 6,000 pounds each) on the scaffolding, and started construction on the work platforms around the tower itself. There will be more pictures on the way from this exciting day!

Pre-crane Work Stopped By Rain

2008-03-28T16:35:00.005-04:00

Last night's scheduled scaffold assembly was postponed due to rain. The work is back on for tonight and the north side of the building will be finished before Sunday.

Sunday morning will be a busy day at the Old State House: the crane will be onsite to lift the large support beams for the upper scaffolding.

Scaffolding Begins

2008-03-25T15:21:00.005-04:00

This morning the staff at the Old State House came into work and saw partial scaffolding erected on the south side of the building. The first stage of scaffolding will reach the peak of the roof and will be finished prior to the coming weekend. The project began last night and more scaffolding will be added each night this week.

The Project

2008-03-21T12:16:00.013-04:00

By the beginning of April, there will be scaffolding on the Old State House tower. In order to shore up substantial rotting wood and stop chronic water infiltration, The Bostonian Society, steward of the Old State House for more than 100 years, is embarking on a 10-week project to restore the tower. An expert team--Don Tellalian, AIA, of Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners, preservation consultant Judith Selwyn, and project manager Pam Bailey from general contractor Lee Kennedy Co.--will repair and reseal all windows, replace the copper roofing at each level, repair the balustrades, and replace the wood siding. This vital preservation work will prevent further structural damage and protect the priceless artifact collections housed in the Old State House. It will also protect the system of weights and pulleys that extend from the tower to the historic 1831 Simon Willard clock on the building's east façade.

The tower project is the next step in the master plan for the stabilization, preservation, and re-interpretation of the Old State House. This multi-year effort is spearheaded by The Bostonian Society, but involves many partners--the City of Boston, the National Park Service, and donors big and small. As the Society proceeds with this $10-12 million project, it welcomes contributions from all who are Bostonians at heart, and who recognize the importance of Boston's historic heritage.

In the 18th century, the Old State House tower boasted one of the highest views in town, and it was an excellent place to watch the ships in Boston harbor and the comings and goings of Bostonians below. Nowadays, there are many skyscrapers up and down State Street that afford a higher view, but looking out at Boston from the Old State House tower is still a singularly breathtaking experience. It reminds me what an island of continuity this little building is, amid a sea of change. We invite you to come see for yourself why the Old State House is so important, and then to help us preserve this piece of our common history.

Rainey Tisdale
Director of the Old State House Museum

http://bostonhistory.org/